He leaned his face next to hers. “And we’d have a night on my ship together, in my cabin, in a very comfortable bed.”
Her expression softened to a teasing smile. “I’m not sure which offer is more promising.”
“Then you have no choice but to find out.”
“Ah, but didn’t you tell me I have a choice?”
Burke brushed his lips over hers ever so lightly. “What do you choose?”
She sighed. “To be rescued.”
“You won’t regret it,” he murmured. “I promise.”
“I know I won’t.”
He wondered if she did so to ease her own doubts rather than to appease him. “We leave tomorrow.”
She agreed. “The sooner the better. If this prisoner isn’t your brother, we’d have wasted all this time.”
“I don’t know,” Burke said with a shake of his head. “Peter thought the man resembled me, only larger. I’m almost sure it’s Cullen, and the longer I hesitate, the worst his situation grows.”
“Again I agree, but tell me,” she asked with a scrunch of her eyes. “What is your ship doing in St. Andrew Harbor?”
“My father started many lucrative businesses, an import business being one of them, and Longton ships dock at St. Andrew. I made certain that the ship was stocked with specific cargo for my use.”
“Ladies’ dresses?” she queried with a crooked grin.
For a moment she resembled a young, carefree lass ready to be adventurous, and he wanted to give her that—give her joy, good memories, and love, if only for a day or two.
“My warehouses are stocked with a wealth of items for export, ladies’ items included. I’m sure we can find you something suitable to wear.” He intended to make certain of it. She would have a day of fun she would never forget and a night of memories that would linger long after he was gone.
“A fine skirt and blouse will do,” Storm said.
Burke near laughed; instead he kept it to a generous smile. “My wife would wear finer garments than a mere skirt and blouse while visiting a foreign port. You’ll be wearing silks, linens, and fine wool.”
“But only the manor ladies wear such finery.”
Burke stretched out his arms. “I am a wealthy American and my wife will dress accordingly. No one will even consider you the infamous outlaw Storm, and since I can’t call you that, what would my wife’s name be?”
“Let’s keep it simple,” Storm said. “Call me Mary.”
“Is that your given name?” he asked, curious.
“My true name was buried along with my husband and there it shall remain.” She stood. “I must talk with Tanin and Philip. I want Philip to arrange a meeting with that man who, for a handsome fee, will provide us with further information. This way we can meet them on our way home.”
“Will it take us long to reach the harbor?”
“We’ll walk to Barkell, about three villages from the harbor. There we’ll meet with friends to get horses and ride the remainder of the way, saving us time. Then we’ll need to sneak aboard your ship—”
“Where we’ll depart the ship as Mr. Longton and his wife, Mary.”
Burke stood and Storm walked over to him. “While your wife, I will remain silent for the sake of our mission, but be aware that if necessary I will speak up.”
“At theappropriatetime,” he teased.
“Do you prefer a wife who is seen and not heard, Mr. Longton?”
“My wife will have her own mind and speak it. I want no delicate flower that wilts on the vine. She will need strength to survive the wilderness and respect its beauty.”
